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Province funds initiatives for safer health-care workplaces

Workers in the health-care sector are among the highest risk groups for workplace injuries and illness, according to a news release from the province. The average number of days of work lost to illness or disability is at least 1.
Workers in the health-care sector are among the highest risk groups for workplace injuries and illness, according to a news release from the province.

The average number of days of work lost to illness or disability is at least 1.5 times greater for health-care workers than the average across all other occupations. Furthermore, one in three hospital workers is at risk of burnout as a result of the increasing complexity and intensity of their work.

A $93,000 provincial grant will help St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre improve patient care while promoting a healthy and safe work environment, said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci. Through the 2012-13 Healthy Work Environments Partnership and Innovation Fund, St. Joseph’s and its partners in the long-term care sector — St. Joseph’s Villa and Villa St. Gabriel Villa — will support physical and mental well-being for staff through improved planning, leadership training for managers and nurses, and building on a range of other initiatives.

“Investing in the well-being of the staff who deliver these important services is just as important as building facilities, bringing down wait times or treating patients,” said Bartolucci.

Ontario’s Healthy Work Environments strategy aims to enhance the safety, wellness, engagement and retention of Ontario’s health-care professionals, who face higher risks of work-related injuries and illness than other workers. Improved morale and fewer lost-time injuries can prevent adverse events, maximize health care resources and improve outcomes for patients

“Frontline staff are the heroes of Ontario’s health care system,” said Bartolucci. “Providing safe and supportive work environments for these hard-working men and women is one important way that we can thank them for taking care of us and our families in times of need.”

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